‘No outside gossip, no backbiting’ – Ashish Nehra on MS Dhoni’s attitude of keeping away from controversial talks

MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricketer, is a character, who doesn’t prefer to get tangled into unwanted controversies. There have been instances when the now 39-year-old’s name has been dragged into unruly incidents, but the veteran has managed to set himself aside. Ashish Nehra, another former cricketer, has thrown light on Dhoni’s qualities as well.

Nehra, who retired from the game late in 2017, said that Dhoni was an introvert character when he first played for Team India in 2004. However, he gave others the freedom to jump into his room and do the things they wished to. However, as per Nehra whenever the talks got directed towards something controversial, Dhoni got on to his toes and brushed them aside.

MS Dhoni always wanted issues in the dressing room sorted, says Nehra

“You could enter Mahi’s room, pick up the phone, order room service, play video games, talk cricket, and if you had an issue with regards cricket, you could tell him. But yes, no outside gossip, no backbiting. He never let discussions drift that side.

“That’s why he always wanted issues in the dressing room sorted there only. Nothing was meant for consumption of outside world,” Nehra was quoted as saying in Cricket Next.

Nehra, who played under Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), said how the Jharkhand-born had a strong mind. He also said that going by talent, Rishabh Pant is far ahead of Dhoni at the age of 22. But Nehra also wishes to see if Pant has the will power as strong as MS with the progression of his career.

“His biggest skill was his incredibly strong mind that made him what he is today. If you ask me, I have seen Rishabh Pant at Sonnet since he was 14-year-old chubby kid, trust me Pant at 22 has more natural talent than what Dhoni had as a 23-year-old in 2004, when he first played for India.

“But whether can Pant can be as strong-willed as Dhoni will tell you if he can replicate that success,” the retired speedster stated. Pant is being deemed as Dhoni’s successor across though, but he has kept blowing hot and cold.